Image capture device and methods

ABSTRACT

A novel image capture device, system and method are disclosed for use in capturing dental images. A novel collimator tube includes one or more devices integrated within its wall, such as a radio frequency transmitter, a camera, a frame grabber, or a transilluminator light. The integrated devices are used instead of or in addition to an x-ray generator, which is coupled to the collimator tube. The camera is used to capture digital images. The camera is either a camera port for plugging in an external camera, such as an intra-oral camera, or is wholly contained within the collimator tube. The radio frequency transmitter transmits digital data to a remote computer. The frame grabber captures digital data for display on a display device. The transilluminator light can illuminate an area for digital capture. A novel receptor holder includes a docking port for docking a sensor that is used for digital x-ray capture.

BACKGROUND

In today's medical profession, there are various ways to capture imagesof patients, such as images captured for diagnostic purposes. Forexample, a medical professional such as a dentist can use a traditionalx-ray device to capture a film-based x-ray image of the patient's mouth.Medical professionals can also capture an x-ray image in a digitalfashion using a digital x-ray device that has a computer workstation anda sensor. Digital cameras are also used by medical professionals tocapture still and video images for later storage on a computer in thepatient record. Each of the devices and systems typically requireseparate systems and pieces of equipment. There is a need for improveddevices, systems and methods for capturing images.

SUMMARY

One form of the present invention is a unique image capture device.Other forms include unique systems and methods to capture images. Yetanother form includes a unique collimator tube. Another form includes aunique receptor holder.

Another form includes a unique image capture device, system and methodfor use in capturing dental images. A unique collimator tube includesone or more devices integrated within its wall, such as a radiofrequency transmitter, a camera, a frame grabber, or a transilluminatorlight. The integrated devices are used instead of or in addition to anx-ray generator, which is coupled to the collimator tube. The camera isused to capture digital images. The camera is either a camera port forplugging in an external camera, such as an intra-oral camera, or iswholly contained within the collimator tube. The radio frequencytransmitter transmits digital data to a computer. The frame grabbercaptures digital data for display on a display device. Thetransilluminator light can illuminate an area for visual inspectionand/or digital capture. A unique receptor holder includes a docking portfor docking a sensor that is used for digital x-ray image capture.

Yet other forms, embodiments, objects, advantages, benefits, features,and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from thedetailed description and drawings contained herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image capture device with an x-raycollimator tube of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front end view of a collimator tube of one embodiment of thecurrent invention.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of an intra-oral camera that can be connectedto the collimator tube in one embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a collimator tube of one shapebeing converted to a collimator tube of another shape using a collimatortube adapter in one embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a collimator tube and an insert in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front end view of an x-ray device without a collimator tubeattached for one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial elevational view of a collimator tube mating withthe x-ray device of FIG. 6 in a manner that allows rotation of thecollimator tube.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a first embodiment receptor holderof the current invention.

FIG. 9 is a back end view of a connection end of the receptor holder ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-section view of the connection end of thereceptor holder of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment receptorholder of the current invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an image capture device illustrating anx-ray generator, collimator tube, and receptor holder of one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of an image capture deviceillustrating an x-ray generator, collimator tube, and receptor holder ofone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of a system of one embodiment of thepresent invention for use with the image capture device of FIGS. 1-13.

FIG. 15 illustrates a high-level process flow diagram for the system ofFIG. 1 and the image capture device of FIGS. 1-13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modificationsin the described embodiments, and any further applications of theprinciples of the invention as described herein are contemplated aswould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates.

The present invention relates to an image capture device, system andmethod for use in capturing medical images. A collimator tube includesone or more integrated devices, such as a radio frequency transmitter, acamera, a frame grabber, or a transilluminator light. In one embodiment,the integrated devices are integrated within one or more walls of thecollimator tube. The integrated devices are used instead of or inaddition to an x-ray generator, which is coupled to the collimator tube.The camera is used to capture digital images. The camera is either acamera port for plugging in an external camera, such as an intra-oralcamera, or is wholly contained within the collimator tube. The radiofrequency transmitter transmits digital data to a computer. The framegrabber captures digital data for display on a display device. Thetransilluminator light can illuminate an area for visual inspectionand/or digital capture. A receptor holder includes a docking port fordocking a sensor that is used for digital x-ray image capture.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the image capture device of thepresent invention is illustrated and indicated generally at 10. Imagecapture device 10 is operable to capture x-ray images. The image capturedevice 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes x-ray generator 12 andcollimator tube 14. Collimator tube 14 serves as the means for focusingx-rays produced by the x-ray generator 12. Alternatively oradditionally, collimator tube 14 also decreases scatter radiation and/ordecreases absorbed radiation, thereby lowering the patient's x-ray dose.In one embodiment, collimator tube 14 has a square shape in crosssection. Collimator tube 14 can also be rectangular, star, cross orround in cross section shape, as a few additional non-limiting examples.

In one embodiment, collimator tube 14 is fixed to x-ray generator 12 andcannot be removed. In another embodiment, collimator tube 14 isdetachable from x-ray generator 12, such as by removing one or morescrews or other securing means. Alternatively or additionally,collimator tube 14 can be a collimator tube of one shape that replaces apreviously attached collimator tube of a different shape. Onenon-limiting example includes detaching a round-shaped collimator tubeand replacing it with a rectangular-shaped collimator tube.

Collimator tube 14 has a tunnel 16 for emitting x-rays and a receptacle30 for receiving a sliding bar of a receptor holder. Collimator tube 14has an end 17 that serves one or more purposes. One purpose of end 17 isfor coupling a receptor holder to collimator tube 14. Collimator tube 14has one or more devices integrated within walls 18. In one embodiment,at least one integrated device is visible at least in part from end 17.In one embodiment, collimator tube 14 has a radio frequency transmitter20, a camera/port 22, a frame grabber 24, and/or a transilluminatorlight 26 integrated within one or more of walls 18.

Each of these integrated devices will now be described in further detailwith reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Radio frequency (RF) transmitter 20 isoperative to send data captured with image capture device 10 to an RFreceiver external to image capture device 10. For example, the RFreceiver may be coupled to a remotely-located computer for the displayand/or processing of images captured by the device 10. As onenon-limiting example, RF transmitter 20 can transmit data captured withcamera 22 to an external computer. In this way, images captured by imagecapture device 10 may be downloaded to a computer system for currentand/or later use without the need to physically couple the image capturedevice 10 to the computer. This greatly improves the maneuverability andusefulness of the image capture device 10.

In one embodiment, the camera 22 is built into the collimator tube 14and is able to capture images visible from a lens or aperture formedinto the end of the collimator tube 14. In another embodiment, camera 22is an electrical port for allowing an external camera device to pluginto collimator tube 14 for transmission of data from the externalcamera device to the collimator tube 14 integrated devices. Onenon-limiting example of an external camera device includes intra-oralcamera 32 as shown in FIG. 3. The intra-oral camera 32 includes anelectrical plug 33 that interfaces with the camera 22 port in thecollimator tube 14 for transmitting data captured by the camera 32.Cameras 22 and 32 are operative to capture still images and/or videoimages in various embodiments. Provision of the external intra-oralcamera 32 allows for easy access to the inner regions of the patient'smouth.

In one embodiment, frame grabber 24 is operative to capture still and/orvideo images for display on an external video display device, such as ona television or a computer display, as is known in the art. Framegrabber 24 is integrally formed with collimator tube 14 to receive imageinformation from one of the image devices integrated with image capturedevice 10, such as camera 22/32 or the x-ray image receptor 44 (see FIG.4). The output of frame grabber 24 is preferably coupled to the RFtransmitter 20 for transmission of the frame data to a receivingcomputer and/or display device.

Transilluminator light 26 aids the image capture process by allowing fora light to be shined through a tooth, body or organ, as a fewnon-limiting examples. The light that is transmitted through the toothcan then be captured using the camera 22/32. For use with the camera 22formed integrally with the collimator tube 14, means must be providedfor directing the light from the transilluminator light 26 to theopposite side of the tooth as the camera 22. This may be done by use ofan appropriate mirror (not shown), or by making the transilluminatorlight 26 an external device that plugs into a port in the collimatortube 14, similar to the intra-oral camera 32. Additionally, thetransilluminator light 26 may emit light from the collimator tube 14 andthe light transmitted through the tooth may be captured using theintra-oral camera 32.

Various other device combinations are also possible, such as fewer oradditional devices than described herein, or a combination of thosedescribed. Power may be supplied to these devices by using the internalpower supply of the image capture device 10, as will be apparent tothose skilled in the art after reference to the above description.

In one form of the invention, collimator tube 14 has contact sensorreceptacles 28 that are used to mate an image receptor holder (see FIGS.8-10) to the collimator tube 14. Contact sensor receptacle 28 can be oneor more of various types, such as electrical, mechanical, optical, fiberoptic, magnetic or of other connection types as would occur to one inthe art. As one non-limiting example, contact sensor receptacles can beused to form a purely mechanical connection between the image receptorholder and the collimator tube 14. Alternatively or additionally,contact sensor receptacles 28 can be used to ensure a receptor holder isattached before firing x-ray generator 12. Alternatively oradditionally, one or more lights can be illuminated to indicate thestatus of the connection, such as green to indicate a proper connectionwith collimator tube 14 has been made and the x-ray generator is readyto fire, and red to indicate the x-ray generator is not ready to fire,to name a few examples. Alternatively or additionally, a light can beilluminated to indicate that a proper connection has been made, and thelight is not illuminated when a proper connection is not made.Alternatively or additionally, an audible sound can be emitted toindicate that a proper connection has been made. In one embodiment,contact sensor receptacles 28 are used with receptor holder 50illustrated in FIGS. 8-10. Alternatively or additionally, collimatortube 14 has a contact end receptacle 30 formed therein and operative toreceive a contact end of a receptor holder. In one embodiment, contactend receptacle 30 is used with the receptor holder illustrated in FIG.11.

In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, collimator tubeadapter 34 is used to convert collimator tube 38 to a different shape.As one non-limiting example, collimator tube adapter 34 is used toconvert collimator tube 38 from a round shape to a rectangular or othershape. Collimator tube adapter 34 includes cone 35, cap 36, and spacer37. Cap 36 can slide to adjust cone 35 to different depths so cone 35can fit properly inside collimator tube 38. Various mechanisms can beused to lock cap 36 into a desired location on cone 35, such as usingdetents or a snap ring, to name a few non-limiting examples. Spacer 37is used to help secure cone 35 inside collimator tube 38, since cone 35is a different shape than collimator tube 38. Various types of spacerscan be used, such as a washer or an o-ring, to name a few non-limitingexamples. Cap 36 is operable to form a seal around end 39 of collimatortube 38.

Although not numbered on FIG. 4 to preserve clarity, in one embodiment,collimator tube adapter 34 has one or more devices integrated within itswalls. These devices can be integrated within walls of collimator tubeadapter 34 instead of or in addition to devices integrated in collimatortube 38. Collimator tube adapter 34 and collimator tube 38, when usedtogether, can include the same devices and perform the same functions asdescribed herein with respect to collimator tube 14 of image capturedevice 10 on FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, insert 40 is a step-down insert that can be insertedinto collimator tube 42 to make the image capture area smaller.Alternatively or additionally, insert 40 can be used to add integrateddevices to existing collimator tube 42. One non-limiting example of asituation in which insert 40 can be used is to capture an image moreprecisely on a smaller image receptor than collimator tube 42 wouldcapture alone. Alternatively or additionally, insert 40 can be insertedinto collimator tube adapter 34 of FIG. 4 to make the image capture areaeven smaller. Although not numbered on FIG. 5 to preserve clarity,instead of or in addition to the integrated devices included within thewalls of collimator tube 14 or collimator tube adapter 34, insert 40 canoptionally include one or more devices integrated within its walls.Insert 40 can optionally have at least one integrated device visible atleast in part from end 41. Details about these integrated devices andhow they function are described in detail in reference to FIGS. 1 and 4.Alternatively or additionally, insert 40 can be used to add one or moreintegrated devices to existing collimator tube 42 without reducing thesize of the image capture area any more than necessary to house theintegrated devices.

As shown in FIG. 6-7, in one embodiment, a collimator tube and/or x-raygenerator can rotate with respect to the other. Front end of x-raygenerator 43 can optionally include a circular or other path 44 withindentations 45. Collimator tube 46 mates with front end of x-raygenerator 43 with one or more detents 47 that lock and unlock into oneor more of indentations 45 when rotated along path 44. Circular or otherpath 44 can be a track or other types as would occur to one of ordinaryskill in the art so as to allow collimator tube 46 inserted therein toremain physically attached to the front end of x-ray generator 43 andthen click into position when coming into contact with one or moredetents 47. In an alternative embodiment, the indentations and path arepresent on collimator tube 46 and one or more detents are present onfront end of x-ray generator 43.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10 with continued reference to FIGS. 1-2, afirst embodiment receptor holder 50 is illustrated. Receptor holder 50has a holder end 52 that is operative to hold an image receptor 54, suchas x-ray film or a digital charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, as a fewnon-limiting examples. Receptor holder 50 has an adjustable bar 56 foradjusting the distance of holder end 52 from a connection end 58. In oneembodiment, connection end 48 has a square shape. Connection end 58 canalso be rectangular, star, cross or round in cross section shape, as afew additional non-limiting examples.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, connection end 58 may have contact sensors59 that are operative to be connected with collimator tube 14 throughcontact end receptors 28 formed in collimator tube end 17. In oneembodiment, contact sensors 59 are used to ensure that the receptorholder 50 is attached to collimator tube 14 before firing the x-raygenerator 12. In this embodiment, contact end receptors 28 are formedwith sensors that determine when contact sensors 59 are insertedtherein. As one example, each receptor 28 may have two metallic elementsthat are short circuited by a conductive contact sensor 59 when theconnection end 58 is fitted to the collimator tube end 17. Couplingthese metallic elements to the firing circuitry of the image capturedevice 10 can prevent the image capture device 10 from being firedunless the receptor holder 50 is properly fitted, as will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from the above description. In one embodiment,receptor holder 50 is used to capture film-based x-ray images. Inanother embodiment, receptor holder is used to capture digitized x-rayimages. Alternatively or additionally, receptor holder 50 can be used tohold a mirror for reflecting an image to be captured with camera 22, orfor reflecting transilluminator light 26 for capture with camera 22.

Referring now to FIG. 11 with continued reference to FIGS. 1-2, a secondembodiment receptor holder 60 is illustrated. Receptor holder 60 has aholder end 62 that is operative to hold a digital sensor 64 or x-rayfilm 66. Alternatively or additionally, receptor holder 60 can be usedto hold a mirror for use with camera 22 or transilluminator light 26, asdescribed hereinabove. Holder end 62 contains a docking port 68 toenable connection of digital sensor 64, which includes a sensor end 70for electrical mating to docking port 68 of holder end 62. In oneembodiment, wiring 72 is connected to docking port 68 at holder end 62.Wiring 72 runs through adjustable bar 74 and connects to contact end 76.Receptor holder 60 has adjustable bar 74 for adjusting the distance ofholder end 62 from contact end 76. Contact end 76 can be inserted intocontact end receptacle 30 of collimator tube 14 to couple receptorholder 60 to collimator tube 14.

Upon insertion of contact end 76 into contact end receptacle 30,connection frame 78 fits over end 17 of collimator tube 14. In oneembodiment, when digital sensor 64 is docked in docking port 68 andx-ray generator 12 is fired, digital data is captured using sensor 64and travels through wiring 72 to contact end 76 and to frame grabber 24of collimator tube 14. In another embodiment, digital data capturedusing sensor 64 travels through wiring 72 to contact end 76 and to radiofrequency transmitter 20 of collimator tube 14. In this embodiment, aframe grabber may be present in the remote computer.

In an alternate embodiment, receptor holder 50 (FIG. 8) and/or receptorholder 60 (FIG. 11) has an integrated radio frequency transmitter, suchas within the walls of the holder.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the system of the presentinvention, comprising image capture device 10 with x-ray generator 12,collimator tube 14, and receptor holder (50 or 60) attached.

FIG. 13 illustrates an image capture device having an x-ray generator80, collimator tube 81, and receptor holder 82 of another embodiment ofthe present invention. Film alignment ring 86 of receptor holder 82 fitsaround outer perimeter 87 of collimator tube 81. In one embodiment,notches 89 in receptor holder 82 are tapered and/or indented to helpfilm alignment ring 86 align properly with collimator tube 81. Receptorholder 82 can be coupled to collimator tube 81 by magnetism when magnets83 of collimator tube 81 come into contact with conductor/magnetinterface metal snap ring 84 of receptor holder 82. Alternatively oradditionally, snap ring 84 completes the circuit between low voltageelectrical contact 85 and magnets 83, causing LED lights 88 toilluminate to indicate that receptor holder 82 is properly coupled tocollimator tube 81. Magnets 83 and/or electrical contacts 85 can belocated at one or more of various locations on outer perimeter 87 orother locations as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Inone embodiment, collimator tube 81 is a replacement for a priorcollimator tube of a differing shape, such as a rectangular tubereplacing a round tube, to name a non-limiting example. Alternatively oradditionally, magnets 83, electrical contacts 85, and LED lights 88 canbe included in an adaptor that is attached to an existing collimatortube. In one embodiment, receptor holder 82 and collimator tube 81maintain a magnetic connection sufficient to couple them together but toalso to allow them to easily separate from each other upon contact, suchas with a doctor or patient touching receptor holder 82. Alternativelyor additionally, the positioning bar of receptor holder 82 has notchesthat allow the user to identify the distance at which the film waspositioned, such as to allow for re-taking another image in the futureat the same distance.

Although not shown on FIG. 13 to preserve clarity, in one embodiment,collimator tube 81 has one or more devices integrated within its walls.Collimator tube 81 can include the same devices and perform the samefunctions as described herein with respect to collimator tube 14 ofimage capture device 10 on FIG. 1.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 14 and 15 with continued referenceto FIGS. 1-13 to illustrate a system and method for using image capturedevice 10. The same reference numerals are used to refer to elementsthat have already been introduced. FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view ofsystem 100 of one embodiment of the present invention. System 100includes computer 102, x-ray generator 12, collimator tube 14, receptorholder (50 or 60), and video display device 104. It should be understoodcomputer 102 may be arranged to include both a client and server, just aclient, or just a server. Furthermore, it should be understood thatwhile one computer is illustrated, more than one computer may beutilized in alternative embodiments.

Computer 102 includes one or more processors or CPUs 106 and one or moretypes of memory 108. Each memory 108 may include a removable memorydevice, although not shown to preserve clarity. The processor 106 may becomprised of one or more components configured as a single unit.Alternatively, when of a multi-component form, a processor 106 may haveone or more components located remotely relative to the others. One ormore components of each processor 106 may be of the electronic varietydefining digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or both. In oneembodiment, processor 106 is of a conventional, integrated circuitmicroprocessor arrangement, such as one or more PENTIUM III or PENTIUM 4processors supplied by INTEL Corporation of 2200 Mission CollegeBoulevard, Santa Clara, Calif. 95052, USA.

Memory 108 (removable or generic) is one form of computer-readabledevice. Memory 108 may include one or more types of solid-stateelectronic memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, just to name afew. By way of non-limiting example, memory 108 may include solid-stateelectronic Random Access Memory (RAM), Sequentially Accessible Memory(SAM) (such as the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) variety or theLast-In-First-Out (LIFO) variety), Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM),Electronically Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), or ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM); an optical disc memory(such as a DVD or CD ROM); a magnetically encoded hard disc, floppydisc, tape, or cartridge media; or a combination of any of these memorytypes. Also, memory 108 may be volatile, nonvolatile, or a hybridcombination of volatile and nonvolatile varieties.

Computer 102 includes a display 110 and one or more input devices 112.Input devices 112 may include one or more operator input devices such asa keyboard, electronic pen input device, mouse, track ball, light pen,to name just a few representative examples. Computer includes a radiofrequency (RF) receiver 114 for receiving data transmitted by radiofrequency transmitters. Alternatively or additionally, computer 102includes a printer. In one embodiment, computer 102 is disconnected fromcomputer network 116. In another embodiment, computer 102 is connectedto network 116.

Although only one computer 102 is shown to preserve clarity, morecomputers could also be present. In such instances, multiple computers102, displays 110, and input devices 112 may be of the same respectivetype, or a heterogeneous combination of different computing devices.When more computers are present, computer 102 can be coupled to othercomputers over computer network 116. Computer network 116 could be inthe form of a Local Area Network (LAN), Municipal Area Network (MAN),Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet, a combination of these,or such other network arrangement as would occur to those skilled in theart. The one or more features provided by computer 102 can be providedon the same computer or varying other arrangements of computers at oneor more physical locations and still be within the spirit of theinvention.

X-ray generator 12 is operable to generate x-ray images. Collimator tube14 serves as the means for focusing x-rays for x-ray device 12, and alsoincludes additional integrated devices. Alternatively or additionally,collimator tube 14 also decreases scatter radiation and/or decreasesabsorbed radiation, thereby lowering the patient's x-ray dose. In oneembodiment, collimator tube 14 has a radio frequency (RF) transmitter 20that can communicate with RF receiver 114 of computer 102. Alternativelyor additionally, collimator tube has an integrated camera 22. In oneembodiment, camera 22 is a camera port for allowing an external cameradevice to plug into collimator tube 14. One non-limiting example of anexternal camera device includes an intra-oral camera 32 of FIG. 3. Inanother embodiment, camera 22 is wholly contained within collimator tube14.

Alternatively or additionally, collimator tube 14 includes frame grabber24 for capturing of and transmission of still and/or video images tovideo display device 104 and/or to display 110 of computer 102. Framegrabber 24 may also transfer data to rf transmitter 20. In oneembodiment, collimator tube 14 includes transilluminator light 26.Transilluminator light 26 allows for shining a light through a tooth,body or organ, to name a few non-limiting examples.

X-ray generator 12 and collimator tube 14 are coupled to firing switch118 and device selector 120. In one embodiment, a single firing switch118 is used to fire whatever device is selected by device selector 120.In another embodiment, each image capture device has its own firingswitch 118, and thus device selector 120 is not used. In someembodiments, firing switch 118 comprises a pair of switches which mustboth be pressed to activate the chosen device.

The operating logic of system 100 can be embodied in signals inprogramming instructions, dedicated hardware, transmitted over computernetwork 116, or a combination of these.

As one non-limiting example, system 100 can be used by a dentist tocapture patient images. The image capture apparatus, system and methodof the current invention are not limited to use in dentistry, or thefield of medicine, as will be understood by one in the art. The currentinvention can be used in various industries where capturing an x-rayimage or digital image would be useful.

Referring additionally to FIG. 15, one embodiment for implementationwith system 100 is illustrated in flow chart form as procedure 200,which demonstrates a high level process flow diagram of some of thefeatures provided by system 100. In one form, procedure 200 is at leastpartially implemented in the operating logic of system 100. Procedure200 begins at start point 201 with selecting an image capture type(stage 202). In one embodiment, image capture type is selected usingdevice selector 120.

If the image to be captured by image capture device 10 is an x-ray image(decision point 204), then a receptor holder (50 or 60) is attached tocollimator tube 14 (stage 206). If the image is to be captured on x-rayfilm (decision point 208), then x-ray film is attached to receptorholder (50 or 60) (stage 210). If the image is to be captured usingdigital x-ray (decision point 208), then digital sensor 64 is attachedto receptor holder 60 (stage 212). The x-ray generator 12 is then firedusing firing switch 118 (stage 214) and the x-ray image(s) and/or videoare captured (stage 216) by the film or the sensor 64.

If the image to be captured by image capture device 10 is not an x-rayimage but instead is to be captured by digital camera (decision point204), then digital camera 22 is fired using firing switch 118 (stage218) and the digital image(s) and/or video are captured (stage 220).

If image(s) and/or video captured digitally with the x-ray generator 12or the digital camera 22 are to be transmitted to a remote computer(decision point 222), then RF transmitter 20 sends the digital file(s)to RF receiver 114 of computer 102 (stage 224). If the image(s) and/orvideo captured digitally with the x-ray receptor 64 or the digitalcamera 22 are to be displayed in real-time (decision point 226), thenframe grabber board 24 intercepts the images captured with sensor 64 ordigital camera 22 accordingly and transmits them (using RF transmitter20) to computer 102, video display device 104, or computer display 110(stage 228). The process then ends at stage 230.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for usewith an x-ray generator is disclosed that comprises a collimator tubecoupled to the x-ray generator; a camera integrated with the collimatortube, said camera being operable to capture digital images; and a radiofrequency transmitter integrated with the collimator tube and operablycoupled to the camera, said radio frequency transmitter being operableto transmit digital images captured by the camera to a remote receiver.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for usewith an x-ray generator is disclosed that comprises a collimator tubecoupled to the x-ray generator; a digital sensor operable to capturex-ray images; and a frame grabber integrated with the collimator tube,said frame grabber operatively coupled to the sensor and operable tocapture images for display on an external display device.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a method isdisclosed that comprises providing an image capture device having aplurality of devices to use for capturing an image, wherein one of theplurality of devices for capturing an image is an x-ray generator andone of the plurality of devices for capturing an image is an imagecapturing device integrated within a collimator tube; from the imagecapture device, receiving a selection for an image capture type thatspecifies at least one of a plurality of devices to use for capturing animage; receiving a fire command to fire the image capture device; andcapturing at least one image with the image capture device.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a system is disclosedthat comprises: an external device, said external device having at leasta display; an x-ray generator; a collimator tube coupled to the x-raygenerator, said collimator tube having at least one integrated digitalimage capture device; means for receiving a fire command and capturingat least one image with the at least one integrated digital imagecapture device; and means for transmitting the captured image to theexternal device upon receiving the fire command.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for use with an x-ray generator isdisclosed that comprises a collimator tube coupled to the x-raygenerator, said collimator tube having one or more walls; and at leastone device contained within said one or more walls of the collimatortube.

In yet a further embodiment, an apparatus for use with an x-raygenerator is disclosed that comprises: a collimator tube coupled to thex-ray generator; and a plurality of magnets coupled to collimator tube,said magnets being operable to couple the collimator tube to a receptorholder through magnetism.

In another embodiment, a receptor holder is disclosed that comprises: aconnection end operable to couple the receptor holder to a collimatortube; a bar coupled to the connection end; a holder end coupled to thebar, said holder end having a sensor docking port; a wire coupled to theconnection end and the sensor docking port; and wherein the receptorholder is operable to allow digital data to be transmitted from a sensordocked on the docking port through the wire and to the connection end.

All publications, prior applications, and other documents cited hereinare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each hadbeen individually incorporated by reference and fully set forth.

A person of ordinary skill in the computer software art will recognizethat the client and/or server arrangements could be organizeddifferently to include fewer or additional options or features than asportrayed in the illustrations and still be within the spirit of theinvention.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allequivalents, changes, and modifications that come within the spirit ofthe inventions as described herein and/or by the following claims aredesired to be protected.

1. A receptor holder comprising: a connection end operable to couple thereceptor holder to a collimator tube; a bar coupled to the connectionend; a holder end coupled to the bar, said holder end having a sensordocking port; a wire coupled to the connection end and the sensordocking port; and wherein the receptor holder is operable to allowdigital data to be transmitted from a sensor docked on the docking portthrough the wire and to the connection end.
 2. The receptor holder ofclaim 1, wherein the wire is contained within the bar.
 3. The receptorholder of claim 1, wherein the bar contains a radio frequencytransmitter, said radio frequency transmitter being operable to transmitdigital images to a computer device.
 4. The receptor holder of claim 1,wherein the holder end is operable to hold an x ray film.
 5. Thereceptor holder of claim 1, wherein the connection end is square incross section shape.
 6. The receptor holder of claim 1, wherein theconnection end is rectangular in cross section shape.
 7. The receptorholder of claim 1, wherein the bar is adjustable.
 8. The receptor holderof claim 7, wherein the bar includes notches which are adapted toindicate the distance between the connection end and the holder end. 9.The receptor holder of claim 1, wherein the holder end is adapted tohold a mirror.
 10. A receptor holder adapted for use with a collimatortube and an X-ray generator; the collimator tube having a contact sensorreceptacle; the receptor holder comprising: a connection end operable tocouple the receptor holder to the collimator tube; a contact sensor onsaid connection end adapted to connect with the contact sensorreceptacle when said connection end is coupled to the collimator tube; abar coupled to said connection end; a holder end coupled to the bar. 11.The receptor holder of claim 10, wherein a light illuminates when saidcontact sensor connects with the contact sensor receptacle.
 12. Thereceptor holder of claim 10, wherein an audible sound is emitted whensaid contact sensor connects with the contact sensor receptacle.
 13. Thereceptor holder of claim 10, wherein the X-ray generator will not fireunless said contact sensor is connected with the contact sensorreceptacle.
 14. The receptor holder of claim 10, further comprising: asensor docking port located in the holder end, said sensor docking portoperable to make an electrical connection with an X-ray sensor docked onthe docking port.
 15. The receptor holder of claim 14, furthercomprising: a radio frequency transmitter electrically mated to thesensor docking port when said connection end is coupled to thecollimator tube; wherein said radio frequency transmitter is operable totransmit digital data from a sensor docked on the docking port.
 16. Thereceptor holder of claim 10, wherein the receptor holder is adapted tobe magnetically coupled to the collimator tube when the receptor holderis positioned adjacent to the collimator tube.
 17. The receptor holderof claim 16, further comprising: a metal snap ring coupled to theconnecting end; wherein said snap ring contacts a magnet in thecollimator tube when the receptor holder is positioned adjacent to thecollimator tube; wherein said snap ring is said contact sensor.
 18. Areceptor holder adapted to hold an X-ray sensor, the receptor holderalso adapted to be used with a collimator tube, the receptor holdercomprising: a connection end operable to couple the receptor holder tothe collimator tube; a bar coupled to said connection end; a holder endcoupled to the bar; a sensor docking port proximate to said holder end,said sensor docking port operable to make an electrical connection withthe X-ray sensor when docked on the docking port.
 19. The receptorholder of claim 18, further comprising a contact end coupled to said barproximate to said connection end, said contact end being operable tomake an electrical connection with the collimator tube.
 20. The receptorholder of claim 19, further comprising a wire which electrically couplessaid contact end to said sensor docking port.
 21. The receptor holder ofclaim 18, wherein the holder end is adapted to hold a digitalcharge-coupled sensor.
 22. The receptor holder of claim 18, furthercomprising a contact sensor on the connection end adapted to connectwith a contact sensor receptacle in the collimator tube when saidconnection end is coupled to the collimator tube.
 23. The receptorholder of claim 18, wherein the holder end is adapted to hold an X-rayfilm.
 24. The receptor holder of claim 18, wherein said electricalconnection is an edge contact connection.